Lee County Disaster Risk
Lee County, Illinois
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
54th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#52
of 102 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
63th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 63% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 9% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 70% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 16% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Lee County, Illinois
Lee County has below-average risk
With a composite risk score of 54.4 and a relatively low rating, Lee County sits nearly at the national average. This score reflects moderate exposure to tornadoes and flooding, balanced by lower earthquake and hurricane risks.
Close to Illinois' state average
Lee County's score of 54.4 nearly matches Illinois' state average of 54.5, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk spectrum. The county experiences typical disaster exposure compared to most Illinois counties.
Similar risk profile to area counties
Lee County's risk of 54.4 aligns closely with Logan County (58.1) and sits well below LaSalle County (86.1). The county occupies a moderate risk position among its immediate neighbors.
Tornadoes and floods are primary threats
Lee County faces a tornado risk of 69.8 and a flood risk of 62.5, making these the county's most significant hazards. Both hazards carry the potential for moderate property damage and population displacement.
Ensure flood and wind coverage
Lee County residents should obtain flood insurance to cover damage from heavy rainfall and river flooding, since standard policies don't include flood protection. Review your homeowners policy to confirm adequate wind and hail coverage for tornado and severe thunderstorm events.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Lee County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Lee County
Risk Verdict
Lee County ranks at the 54th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado risk is Lee County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 70th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 63th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (50th percentile), hurricane (16th percentile), wildfire (9th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Lee County ranks at the 70th percentile nationally for tornado exposure. Unlike many slow-onset hazards, tornadoes in Lee County can reach full intensity in minutes; a pre-practiced household shelter plan matters far more than stockpiled supplies. The secondary flood hazard at the 63th percentile nationally adds seasonal complexity to Lee County's preparedness calendar, since flood and tornado risk often peak at different points in the year. Lee County county emergency management typically publishes annual severe-weather preparedness guides tailored to local tornado patterns; households benefit from reviewing these before storm season begins each spring.
Regional Context
The county's composite score diverges by only 0.1 points from the Illinois average, making Lee County's hazard profile broadly typical for this part of the state.
Is your household prepared for Lee County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Lee County, IL?
What types of natural hazards affect Lee County?
How does Lee County risk compare to the Illinois average?
Is Lee County at risk for tornado?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Lee County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.